Upon graduation from OSU, college of Agriculture, Seth
Meranda returned to his great-grandfather's family farm and grew tobacco and grain crops prior to planting Meranda Vineyards
in 2003. Seth's wife Tina grew up on the Nixon family farm in Warren County, graduated from Cincinnati State, and became active
in the Brown County farm in 1998.
"The Meranda-Nixon
Winery opened in 2007. It is located in an area of the Ohio Valley that was one of the largest grape growing regions in the
country in the 1800’s. Seth Meranda and his wife, Tina Nixon Meranda, own and operate the winery and vineyard. Their
two sons, Preston and Austin, when not in school contribute their help. In addition, extended family offers a helping hand
when needed.
The tasting room is located in a one-story building that has a covered patio on two sides available
for enjoying a glass of wine within sight of the prolific vineyards. Inside the tasting room, visitors will discover an old
working victrola by Victor. Walls are painted with frescos and leave an impression of an Italian café. Inside, the
tasting room has several tables available for visitors to sit and taste wine. Enjoy the ambiance along with a wine tasting."
The Vineyards
Meranda-Nixon Winery and vineyards
are on the family owned farm that has been in the family since Seth Meranda’s great grandfather lived there growing
tobacco and grains. Seth and his wife, Tina, decided to add the vineyards and winery when the tobacco industry began to die
out.
Today in 2010, the 11.5 acres of vineyards consist of Traminette, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay,
Norton and Catawba. They planted the Catawba for its historical significance and use it to make a sweet wine. Budbreak usually
takes place in April and May. Harvest ends in mid to late October. Everything from pruning to harvesting in the vineyard is
completed by hand.
In the winery, they try to use the grapes from their own vineyards however they will source
grapes from other states when needed. The winery produces 1,500 to 2,000 cases and would like to continue to grow.
Quoted Text: winetrailtraveler.com
